Even at 40 Ms. Campbell’s killer catwalk strut is forever young. As one of the most successful supermodels of her time, Naomi proves that beauty and brains make an awesome pair.
02
Taraji P. Henson
Birthday: September 11
This ESSENCE cover girl recently celebrated her 40th with a celeb-studded bash in Hollywood. Even though her break came at 25 (late by Hollywood standards), this D.C. native now has an Oscar nomination under her belt. Now that’s how you bring in 40!
03
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins
Birthday: April 26
It’s hard to believe that the T-Boz is the 4-0. We still remember her “crazy, sexy, cool” days with TLC, the biggest selling female R&B group of all time.
04
Regina Hall
Birthday: December 12
Age ain’t nothing but a number, and actress Regina Hall wears it well. This former journalism student wasn’t too afraid to make the transition into acting when the opportunity came. We’re glad she did.
05
Nia Long
Birthday: October 30
This Brooklyn native carries her age with effortless elegance. We’ve loved her ever since her days on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Boyz n the Hood.” How the time flies.
06
Aisha Tyler
Birthday: September 18
Comedian Aisha Tyler landed her biggest role as the first African-American female host of “Talk Soup” in 2001. You can add actress and author to her impressive resume.
07
Tyson Beckford
Birthday: December 19
Turning the 4-0 never looked so sexy. As a model Beckford broke ground by becoming the first African-American male model to ink an exclusive deal with a designer when he signed with Ralph Lauren in 1995.
08
Mariah Carey
Birthday: March 27
Mariah is considered one of the most commercially successful artists of her time. She’s a diva that always keeps her youthful glow.
09
Queen Latifah
Birthday: March 18
Fab at 40: The queen adds a touch of elegance to anything she touches. From movies to beauty campaigns, this New Jersey native is about the business.
10
Malcolm Jamal Warner
Birthday: August 18
Even all grown up, Malcolm Jamal Warner will always be remembered as goofy Theo on “The Cosby Show.” Now 40, he still has the acting bug but also focuses on his music and poetry. A renaissance man. We like!
11
Nicole Ari Parker
Birthday: October 7
Best known for her role as Teri Joseph in “Soul Food,” Ari Parker always keeps a radiant glow. We wonder if being married to sexy Boris Kodjoe keeps a girl young.
12
Mike Epps
Birthday: November 18
This Indianapolis native worked his way up from dingy comedy clubs to becoming one of the most recognizable comedians around. And that’s no joke.
13
Anthony Anderson
Birthday: August 15
Born and raised in Compton, California Anderson earned his comedic chops while attending Hollywood High and later, Howard University.
14
Alonzo Mourning
Birthday: February 8
Former Miami Heat player Alonzo Mourning is best known as one of the NBA’s best defensive players. After his retirement “Zo” focused his energies on charity work and education. Now that’s a second act we can believe in.
15
Naomi Campbell
Birthday: May 22.
Even at 40 Ms. Campbell’s killer catwalk strut is forever young.
16
Mariah Carey
Birthday: March 27.
This diva always keeps her youthful glow.
17
Aisha Tyler
Birthday: September 18.
Comedian Aisha Tyler knows staying youthful requires lots of laughter.
18
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins
Birthday: April 26.
It’s hard to believe that the T-Boz is the 4-0. We still remember her crazy, sexy, cool days with TLC.
19
Tyson Beckford
Birthday: December 19.
Turning the 4-0 never looked so sexy.
20
Malcolm Jamal Warner
Birthday: August 18.
Even all grown up, Malcolm Jamal Warner will always be remembered as goofy Theo on “The Cosby Show.”
21
alonzo Mourning
Birthday: March 18, 1970 in New Jersey.
Fab at 40: The queen adds a touch of elegance to anything she touches.